Is this the future of EV charging infrastructure?

The Western Australian Government has officially completed its WA EV Network, one of the world’s longest electric vehicle (EV) charging highways. Spanning vast distances from Mundrabilla in the south to Kununurra in the north, the network consists of 110 charging points across 49 locations. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Australia’s transition toward sustainable transport and demonstrates how governments can drive the adoption of EVs through infrastructure investment, writes John Ridgeway.

But how does this compare to other EV charging highways around the world? How is this trend developing globally? And will the need for such expansive EV charging networks persist in the face of emerging hydrogen vehicle technology?

Western Australia’s initiative is impressive, but it is not the first of its kind. Similar projects have been undertaken globally, aiming to eliminate range anxiety - one of the biggest concerns for EV drivers. These are just a few.

The Trans-Canada Electric Highway (Canada)

Canada’s Trans-Canada Electric Highway consists of a network of fast-charging stations spanning more than 6,000 km. The highway, supported by Hydro-Québec, Petro-Canada, and other partners, allows EV drivers to travel coast-to-coast without relying on slow charging options.

The Autobahn Electric Highway (Germany)

Germany, a leader in EV infrastructure, has integrated an extensive charging network into its iconic Autobahns. Many charging stations are high-powered 350kW chargers, enabling ultra-fast charging in under 30 minutes. The German government continues to support EV expansion through public-private partnerships.

Sweden’s Electrified Roads

Sweden is pushing boundaries with dynamic charging technology. The country has introduced electrified roads that charge EVs while they drive. The eRoadArlanda project near Stockholm uses inductive and conductive charging methods, hinting at a future where stationary charging may become less necessary.

The IONITY Network (Europe)

IONITY, a joint venture by BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Volkswagen, is developing a pan-European high-power charging network. Covering major routes across Europe, IONITY aims to make long-distance EV travel convenient, featuring ultra-fast 350kW chargers.

The West Coast Electric Highway (USA)

The West Coast Electric Highway runs through California, Oregon, and Washington, offering extensive EV charging along one of the busiest transport corridors in North America. This initiative is pivotal in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting EV adoption in the United States.

What’s driving the growth of EV Charging networks?

Several key factors are propelling the expansion of EV highways worldwide. Government-backed subsidies, such as WA’s $3,500 Zero Emissions Vehicles rebate, encourage consumers to purchase EVs, increasing the demand for a robust charging infrastructure. Countries like Norway, China and the UK have set aggressive targets for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles, fuelling further investment in EV networks.

Energy companies, automakers, and tech firms are also investing in EV charging solutions. Companies like Tesla, BP, Shell, and ChargePoint are rapidly deploying chargers, often integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Furthermore, modern EV chargers have significantly improved in efficiency. Ultra-fast chargers (350kW+) can power an EV in just 15-20 minutes, making long-distance travel more viable. Innovations like wireless and dynamic charging roads may further reduce the need for stationary charging in the future.

With more consumers switching to EVs, demand for a reliable charging network is surging. In Western Australia alone, the number of registered EVs has more than doubled in the past year, indicating that more drivers need access to reliable and widespread charging stations.

Challenges slowing EV highway development

However, while the expansion of EV networks is promising, there are several hurdles that governments and businesses must address. Installing fast chargers, especially in remote areas, requires substantial investment. WA’s EV Network was supported by a $43.5 million government investment, but not all regions can allocate similar funds. Public-private partnerships may be key to overcoming this challenge.

A widespread EV charging network also puts pressure on electrical grids. Some locations within WA’s network rely on standalone power systems (solar + battery storage) to mitigate this issue, but large-scale adoption will require smarter grid solutions.

Different EV brands also use varying charging connectors and speeds. A lack of universal standards creates compatibility concerns. Governments and industry leaders must work together to streamline this aspect of EV infrastructure.

And even with fast chargers, EVs take longer to charge than it takes to refuel a petrol or diesel vehicle. Battery technology advancements are necessary to bring charging times closer to traditional refuelling experiences.

However, with EV charging networks expanding, a new question arises - will hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) disrupt this trend? Hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo, offer a quick refuelling time (under 5 minutes) and longer range compared to many battery EVs. Countries like Japan and South Korea are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure.

Hydrogen excels in long-haul trucking, aviation and heavy industry where battery weight is a limitation compared to EVs which dominate personal transport due to lower infrastructure costs and rapid consumer adoption. This means we may see hybrid models, where hydrogen and battery-electric vehicles coexist based on different transport needs.

Will EV charging networks become obsolete?

While hydrogen presents a compelling alternative, EV infrastructure is already widely deployed and rapidly growing. Hydrogen fuelling stations are far less common, meaning EVs are likely to remain the dominant choice for passenger vehicles for at least the next decade.

Western Australia’s WA EV Network is a significant step toward a sustainable transport future. While global EV highways are expanding rapidly, challenges such as infrastructure costs, energy demand and charging speeds still exist. Meanwhile, hydrogen vehicles could emerge as a competitor, but given the massive investment in EV infrastructure, EVs are likely to remain the primary choice for consumers in the near future.

As technology advances, we may see even more efficient, innovative, and accessible charging solutions, further cementing the role of EVs in the transport landscape. For now, the development of EV charging highways is essential to supporting the world’s shift to cleaner, greener mobility.